Cleveland Browns waive two defensive linemen for 53-man roster cut
The Cleveland Browns have made two roster moves by waiving defensive end Porter Gustin and undrafted rookie DT Marvin Wilson, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL network. These moves help the team get down to the 53-man roster requirement before the season starts.
Their NFL journeys
Wilson is a product of Florida State University and played in all four years in college. In his recruiting class of 2017, he was the number one defensive tackle prospect and number six prospect overall in the nation.
At Florida State he would finish with 109 total tackles (50 solo), 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. He was named to first-team All-ACC in 2019 and second-team All-ACC in 2020. That dip in production from his junior to senior year caused his draft stock to fall. Ultimately resulting in him going undrafted.
He finished off the preseason with three tackles and the two games he played. Wilson did get a guaranteed contract and signing bonus from the Browns for a total of $192,000. Although he had some guaranteed money that did not guarantee a spot on the 53-man roster.
Gustin has been with the Browns since his rookie season. Originally an undrafted rookie free agent signing of the New Orleans Saints, he made his way to Cleveland in November of 2019. In his time there, he is played in 20 games and started in three. All three starts came in the 2020 season where he finished the year with 30 tackles (13 solo), and two tackles for loss. He did not record a sack or turnover last season. In the Browns preseason, he recorded two tackles and a sack. Gustin re-signed with the Browns this offseason on a one-year deal.
The Browns going forward
The Browns come into this season with a defensive line that features both Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney at the ends. They do have a good amount of help on the defensive line, which made both Wilson and Gustin expendable at this time.
Marvin Wilson was a highly sought-after undrafted player after failing to be drafted in the 2021 NFL Draft and Dustin is viewed as a high-energy player around the league. The Cleveland Browns are hoping to get both players back by signing them to their practice squad. However, they first must clear waivers as all other 31 teams have the opportunity to claim them for their 53-man roster.